THE RESPIRATION OF ISOLATED LIVER AND KIDNEY TISSUES FROM ADRENALECTOMIZED RATS

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Abstract
Adrenalectomy results in a decrease in the Q02 of liver slices from 8.7, the mean found in well-fed normal rats, to a mean of 5.9; and a decrease in Qo2 of kidney slices from a mean of 18.7 to 13.8. The decrease in respiration develops about 7-10 days after the operation. The R.Q., measured only for liver slices, remains unchanged. In liver slices the rate of oxidation of pyruvate and of succinate is slower after adrenalectomy, suggesting that oxidative enzyme systems may be weakened in the absence of cortical hormone. Substrate depletion may be one factor, since the Q02 of liver from partially-starved, otherwise normal, rats is lower than that of well-fed normal animals. Salt treatment results in some alleviation of the depressed O2 consumption.